The MTV Video Music Awards are one my favorite red carpets to watch because you just never know what can happen.
A chair being worn as a hat? It’s possible. A dress made of meat? Been there, done that.
The VMAs are an opportunity for music’s biggest stars to take risks with their styling. Unlike more prestigious awards shows like the Grammys, the VMAs just aren’t that serious. It’s about having fun and celebrating the art of the music video.
Unfortunately, the VMAs aren’t quite what they used to be. Especially since Covid-19 shook up the entertainment world, the show just hasn’t been the same. That’s not to say it isn’t worth watching; iconic performances still happen every year. But legendary moments like Lady Gaga’s blood-soaked performance of “Paparazzi” and Nicki Minaj’s public jab at Miley Cyrus just don’t happen anymore. The VMAs are still fun, but they’ve lost that messy chaos that once captured audiences.
Still, there will always be celebrities and stylists who bring their a-game and have fun on the red carpet. Let’s take a look!
Bob the Drag Queen in Christian Siriano
I never thought I’d see the day I liked a Siriano look, but here we are. Bob the Drag Queen’s head-to-toe polka dot ensemble is delightful, and it even matches the blue carpet. The outfit by itself wouldn’t have been that exciting, but the matching hat and shoes take it to the next level. This look is inspired by Siriano’s Spring/Summer Ready-to-Wear collection, but I think Bob’s version works better. The shiny finish of the runway look combined with the polka dot tights created just a bit too much visual noise, and I think the choice to switch to a lower-contrast color scheme was the right one. I also appreciate that Bob’s shoes are an exact match to the print of the rest of the outfit, whereas the runway shoes featured a smaller polka-dot pattern.
Carter Gregory in Tom Ford
Men often opt to dress more casually at the VMAs, and I don’t mind as long as they’re creative about it. American music executive Carter Gregory selected this really unique jacket from Tom Ford’s Spring/Summer 2018 Menswear collection, and I love how the animal print seems to glow from within the fabric. Gregory’s styling also does a great job of elevating this from a streetwear look to something that makes sense for the VMAs. The addition of the leather pants and the decision to pop the collar of his shirt do a lot of heavy lifting for this look, and it all comes together really nicely.
Keltie Knight in Roberto Cavalli
Canadian television host Keltie Knight had the right idea, but the execution was lacking. For a wonderfully loud, patterned mini like this, I see a couple of different directions that could have worked for the footwear. If Knight wanted to stick with boots, a solid color or a matching animal print would have felt more cohesive. She could also have chosen a pair of sandals or ankle boots, which would’ve given her more freedom to pick a statement shoe that wouldn’t compete with the dress. I’m all for maximalism, especially at the VMAs, but it’s definitely a balancing act.
Olandria in ManMadeSkins
Love Island star Olandria was a showstopper in this top and skirt from ManMadeSkins’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection. This is a great color palette, and the red accents add the perfect amount of contrast. The futuristic silver bracelets on her right hand were also a great addition to the look. It’s a perfect combination of edgy and sexy. Well done.
Shaboozey in Chrome Hearts
The leather suit has been done before, but Shaboozey really played with the idea and made it his own. Adding the leather vest and leather tie turn what could have been a really boring look into something truly inspired. By adding western motifs like pointed boots and a decorative belt buckle, he also honors his work in country music. Country has a very specific aesthetic that can easily feel tacky and overdone, but this look is a nice blend of the old and new.
Troye Sivan in Erdem
I’ve talked before about how I feel about ostrich feathers. I don’t know how Erdem sources their feathers, but there is no way to collect ostrich feathers without harm to the bird. They are plucked either while the bird is still alive, which causes stress and pain, or after it’s been slaughtered.
I do recognize that ostriches are also killed for meat, and the use of feathers as a byproduct of the meat industry doesn’t necessarily bother me. However, the lack of transparency on the part of Erdem (and most brands, really) makes me hesitant to give them the benefit of the doubt.
With all that being said, is the use of feathers worth it? Do they add something to this look that couldn’t have been achieved otherwise? In my opinion, they do not. The runway version of this look was marginally more interesting, but ultimately I find it uninspired and unnecessary.
Sombr in ERL
You know what? Sure. If Sombr wants to show up on the red carpet cosplaying Ken from Barbie (2023) (complete with a faux skunk fur coat and a belt buckle that says “sex”), who am I to dull his sparkle? I actually really like this look because I think it’s fun and silly, which is exactly what the VMAs call for. I’m not sure if he’s being tongue-in-cheek on purpose, but I’m choosing to take it that way.
Taylor Swift in Tamara Ralph
We are so back. I’ve been following Taylor Swift’s career for years, and I don’t always love her red-carpet choices. But this sleek, shimmering gown from Tamara Ralph’s Fall/Winter 2026 Couture collection is an absolute win. The draping and sparkle of the skirt is truly beautiful, and the modern bodice is a wonderful grounding point. The mesh cutouts exaggerate the waist and create a perfect red-carpet silhouette, and the halter neck is a fun callback to the cover for Swift’s new single, “Patient Zero.” It’s not the same dress, but it’s a similar silhouette. We know how Swift loves her easter eggs, so I suspect the parallel was intentional.
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